Rumination Journal

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 Rejoice at all times. Pray without ceasing. Give thanks in every circumstance, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus. Heavenly Father, I come with a heart full of gratitude, rejoicing always in Your presence. As Your Word encourages, I strive to rejoice always, pray always, and give thanks always; for this is Your will for me in Christ Jesus. Lord God, fill my heart with joy, even in times of trial, reminding me that my joy is found in You. Help me to develop a spirit of constant prayer, drawing near to You throughout my day, seeking Your guidance and wisdom. In every situation, may I have a heart of thanksgiving, recognizing Your hand at work in my life. I trust in Your perfect will and thank You for Your unending love and grace. Empower me to live out these truths daily, bringing glory to Your name. I pray in the name of Your Son, Jesus. Amen. See James' publications on  Amazon.com .

Ephesians 3:20-21 Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us, to Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen. Heavenly Father, infinite in power and boundless in love, I come with a heart full of awe and gratitude for Your immeasurable blessings. As I meditate on this passage, I am reminded of Your limitless ability to do immeasurably more than all that I could ask or imagine. You are the God who is able to accomplish far more than I dare to dream, according to Your mighty power at work within me. Grant me the faith to trust in Your promises, the courage to step out in obedience, and the perseverance to endure whatever trials may come my way. May all glory be unto you, O God, both now and forevermore, through Christ Jesus my Lord, who reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen. See James' publications on  Amazon.com . ...

Psalm 121:1-8 I lift up my eyes to the hills. From where does my help come? My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth. He will not allow your foot to slip; your Protector will not slumber. Behold, the Protector of Israel will neither slumber nor sleep. The LORD is your keeper; the LORD is the shade on your right hand. The sun will not strike you by day, nor the moon by night. The LORD will guard you from all evil; He will preserve your soul. The LORD will watch over your coming and going, both now and forevermore. Gracious God, my Protector and Keeper, As I lift my eyes, seeking help, I acknowledge You as the Maker of heaven and earth, The One who never slumbers nor sleeps. Watch over me, Lord God, as I journey through my valleys, Guide my steps and guard me from harm. May Your hand be upon me as a shield, And Your presence ever near as my refuge. In times of trouble, be my strength and my peace, For You are the source of my strength and salvation. Help me to trust in ...

Psalm 1:1-6 Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked, or set foot on the path of sinners, or sit in the seat of mockers. But his delight is in the Law of the LORD, and on His law he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water, yielding its fruit in season, whose leaf does not wither, and who prospers in all he does. Not so the wicked! For they are like chaff driven off by the wind. Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the assembly of the righteous. For the LORD guards the path of the righteous, but the way of the wicked will perish. Heavenly Father, source of all wisdom and truth,  As I meditate on Your Word day and night, may I be like a tree planted by streams of water, bearing fruit in season, and never withering. Give me the strength to delight in Your law, and to walk in Your ways faithfully. Shield me from the counsel of the wicked, and guide me along the path of righteousness. Let Your Word be...

‭1 Samuel 17:37‬ David added, “The Lord, who delivered me from the claws of the lion and the bear, will deliver me from the hand of this Philistine.” “Go,” said Saul, “and may the Lord be with you.” Heavenly Father, I am in awe of Your greatness and power. As David declared to King Saul his unwavering faith in You, I, too, declare my trust in Your mighty deliverance. Lord God, I acknowledge that You are my protector and defender. Just as You guided and empowered David to defeat Goliath, I ask for Your strength to face the giants in my life. Help me to remember that no challenge is too great when I walk in faith and obedience to You. Fill me with the courage and boldness that comes from knowing You are with me. Remind me that the same God who delivered David is my God, unchanging and ever-present. When fear and doubt threaten to overwhelm me, let me cling to the promises of Your Word, knowing that You are my refuge and fortress. I surrender my battles to You, Lord God, and trust in Your...

Habakkuk 3:17-19 Though the fig tree does not bud and no fruit is on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though the sheep are cut off from the fold and no cattle are in the stalls, yet I will exult in the LORD; I will rejoice in the God of my salvation! GOD the Lord is my strength; He makes my feet like those of a deer; He makes me walk upon the heights! Heavenly Father, I come with a grateful heart, even in the face of trials and uncertainties. Lord God, I acknowledge that my strength and hope come from You alone. You are my Sovereign Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer. Just as You gave Habakkuk the feet of a deer to walk upon the heights, I ask for Your strength to navigate the peaks and valleys of my life with sure-footed confidence and trust. In times of abundance and in times of lack, may my heart always sing of Your faithfulness. Let me find my joy not in the fleeting treasures of this world, but in the eternal promise of Your love and salvation. Emp...

Proverbs 17:22 A joyful heart is good medicine, but a broken spirit dries up the bones. Heavenly Father, I come with a grateful heart, seeking Your presence and wisdom in my life. Lord God, I ask that You fill my heart with joy and gladness. Help me to find reasons to rejoice in every circumstance, knowing that Your joy is my strength. When the weight of the world feels heavy, remind me of Your promises and the eternal hope I have in You. Heal my broken spirit and renew my mind with Your truth. Let Your love and peace reign in my heart, driving out all despair and worry. Teach me to cultivate a spirit of gratitude and cheerfulness, so that my life may reflect Your light to those around me. May I be a source of encouragement and hope to others, sharing the joy that comes from knowing You. In all things, let me remember that true joy is found in Your presence. Guide me to seek You daily, to dwell in Your Word, and to embrace the life-giving joy that only You can provide. I pray this in t...

Matthew 6:9-13 “So then, this is how you should pray: ‘Our Father in heaven, hallowed be Your name. Your kingdom come, Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one. For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory, forever. Amen.’” Almighty God, my Heavenly Father, Your name is holy, and I come before You with reverence and awe. May Your kingdom come, and Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give me this day both physical sustenance and spiritual nourishment, that I may be strengthened for the journey ahead. Forgive my trespasses, as I forgive those who trespass against me, and lead me not into temptation, but deliver me from evil. For Yours is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever and ever. Amen. See James' publications on  Amazon.com .

Isaiah 6:8‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬ Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying: “Whom shall I send? Who will go for Us?” And I said: “Here am I. Send me!” Heavenly Father, In the spirit of the prophet Isaiah, I come with a humble heart, saying, "Here am I. Send me!" Just as Isaiah responded to Your call, I offer myself to Your service. Grant me the courage and strength to heed Your voice and to go wherever You lead me. Lord, cleanse my heart and purify my soul, that I may be a worthy vessel of Your love and truth. Fill me with Your Holy Spirit so that I may speak Your word with boldness and live out Your will with faithfulness. Guide my steps, O Lord, and let Your will be done in my life. Use me to spread Your message of hope and salvation and to bring glory to Your name. I pray all this in the name of Jesus, Your Son. Amen. See James' publications on  Amazon.com .

2 Timothy 1:7 For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and self-control. Heavenly Father, I come with gratitude for Your unfailing love and guidance. As I reflect on this passage, I thank You for these assurances and for Your gifts to me. Help me to embrace the spirit of power, love, and self-control that You have given me. In times of uncertainty and fear, remind me of Your promise and strengthen my faith. May Your power fill me with courage to face challenges, Your love guides me in all my interactions, and Your wisdom leads me to make decisions that honor You. I ask that You continue to work within me, transforming my fears into faith, my doubts into trust, and my weaknesses into strengths. Let Your Spirit move mightily in my life so that I may walk boldly in the purpose You have set for me, bringing glory to Your name in all that I do. I pray in the name of Jesus, Your Son. Amen. See James' publications on  Amazon.com .

Philippians 4:4 Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Heavenly Father,  I come to You with a heart full of praise and thanksgiving. As Your Word commands, I lift my voice to rejoice in Your goodness and grace. Lord, in all circumstances, help me to find joy in You. When I face trials and challenges, remind me of Your constant presence and unfailing love. Let my rejoicing be a testament to my faith and trust in You, regardless of my situation. Fill me with Your Holy Spirit, so my joy may overflow and touch the lives of those around me. May my rejoicing be a light in the darkness, a beacon of hope to those who are weary and burdened. Thank You, Father, for the joy that comes from knowing You and being loved by You. I rejoice in Your promises, Your faithfulness, and the salvation I have in Jesus Christ. I pray in the precious name of Jesus, Your Son. Amen. See James' publications on  Amazon.com .

Philippians 4:13 I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength. Heavenly Father, As I come today, I am reminded of the words of the Apostle Paul. Lord, I acknowledge that my strength comes from You alone. In times of weakness and uncertainty, You are my rock and my fortress. Thank You, Lord God, for equipping me with Your divine strength to face every challenge and overcome every obstacle that stands in my way. I confess that apart from You, I can do nothing, but with You, all things are possible. Help, me to lean on Your promises and trust in Your provision. May Your Holy Spirit empower me to live boldly and faithfully, knowing that You are with me every step of the way. Grant me wisdom and discernment to make choices that align with Your will and bring glory to Your name. Fill my heart with gratitude for Your unwavering presence and unfailing love. Strengthen my faith, God, that I may walk in confidence and assurance, knowing that You are working all things together for my...

1 Samuel 16:7 But the LORD said to Samuel, “Do not consider his appearance or height, for I have rejected him; the LORD does not see as man does. For man sees the outward appearance, but the LORD sees the heart.” Heavenly Father, I come with a humble heart, seeking Your guidance and wisdom in my life. Your Word reminds me that You do not look at the outward appearance, but You see the heart. Lord, help me to internalize this truth and to live my life according to Your perspective. Teach me to look beyond the surface and to value the qualities that truly matter—kindness, integrity, love, and faithfulness. May I not judge others by their appearance or status, but by the content of their character, as You do. Search my heart, O God, and reveal to me any areas that need Your cleansing touch. Help me to cultivate a heart that is pure, humble, and pleasing in Your sight. Strengthen me to seek Your approval above all else and to align my desires with Your will. Father, I pray for the discernm...

Philippians 1:21 For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain. Gracious God, I thank You for the gift of life and for the opportunity to live it in service to You. As the Apostle Paul declared, “For to me, to live is Christ”, may my life be fully devoted to following and honoring Your Son, Jesus. Help me to find my joy, purpose, and fulfillment in Jesus alone, knowing that in Him I find true life and eternal significance. Grant me the strength to live each day with courage and conviction, as I seek to live out the gospel and make Jesus known to others. May my life be a reflection of Your love and grace, bringing glory to Your name in all that I do. I pray in the name of Jesus, my Lord. Amen. See James' publications on  Amazon.com .

Philippians 1:2 / Ephesians 1:2 Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Gracious God,  I come with a heart uplifted in thanksgiving for the fellowship I share with others in the gospel of Your Son, Jesus. I thank You for the love that binds me to other brothers and sisters in Christ, and for the grace that sustains me day by day. Bless me with an abundance of Your peace, mercy, and grace. May Your Spirit dwell richly within me, enabling me to abound in love for  all people, bearing witness to the hope that is found in Jesus Christ alone. I pray in the name of Jesus, my Lord and Savior, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen. See James' publications on  Amazon.com .

Psalm 34:18 The LORD is near to the brokenhearted; He saves the contrite in spirit. Heavenly Father, I come to You with a humble heart, seeking Your presence and comfort. Your Word tells me that You are near to the brokenhearted and save those who are contrite in spirit. I am deeply grateful for this promise and cling to it in my times of need. Lord, I ask that You draw near to those who are suffering today. For those who are grieving, bring them solace and peace. For those who feel lost and abandoned, remind them of Your unwavering love and presence. Heal the wounds of the brokenhearted, and restore their hope and joy. Father, I pray for strength and courage to face each day, knowing that You are with me. Help me to trust in Your plan and to lean on Your understanding, not my own. Fill my heart with Your love, and let it overflow to those around me, so they too may feel Your closeness and compassion. Thank You for being my refuge and my strength. Thank You for Your faithfulness and Yo...

Ephesians 5:19-20 Speak to one another with psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your hearts to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. Heavenly Father, As I come to You, I am grateful for Your blessings upon me. Grant me the wisdom to lift songs of praise and thanksgiving, making melody in my heart to You, Lord. May the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart be pleasing in Your sight, O God, my Rock and my Redeemer. Strengthen me with Your Spirit, that I may encourage others with psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, singing and making music to You with all my heart. I give thanks to You always and for everything, in the name of my Lord Jesus, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen. See James' publications on  Amazon.com .

Ephesians 4:32 Be kind and tenderhearted to one another, forgiving each other just as in Christ God forgave you. Heavenly Father, As it is written in this passage, help me to be kind and compassionate to others, forgiving others, just as in Jesus the Christ, You forgave me. Fill me with Your Spirit, so my actions reflect Your love and grace. Teach me to be patient and understanding, always ready to extend mercy and forgiveness. In moments of conflict, remind me of the boundless forgiveness I have received through Jesus, and empower me to offer the same to others. Lord God, remove any bitterness, anger, or malice from my heart. Let my interactions be marked by kindness and empathy. May I see each person through Your eyes, valuing them as Your beloved creation. Guide me to be an instrument of Your peace, bringing reconciliation and healing wherever there is division. Strengthen my commitment to living out Your love in practical ways, making my home, community, and workplace a reflectio...

Ephesians 5:1-2 Be imitators of God, therefore, as beloved children, and walk in love, just as Christ loved us and gave Himself up for us as a fragrant sacrificial offering to God. Heavenly Father,  You, in Your infinite wisdom and love, have called me to be an imitator of You as a dear child, and to walk in love as Jesus loved me and gave Himself up for me as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to You. Grant me the grace to follow the example of Your beloved Son, Jesus the Christ, who laid down His life for me, that I may also sacrificially love others with genuine compassion and kindness. Help me to live a life marked by selflessness, putting the needs of others before my own, and seeking the good of all, just as Jesus gave himself up for me. May the fragrance of my love rise up to You, a pleasing aroma, bringing glory and honor to Your holy name. I pray in the name of Jesus, my Lord and Savior, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen. See ...

Psalm 15 O LORD, who may abide in Your tent? Who may dwell on Your holy mountain? He who walks with integrity and practices righteousness, who speaks the truth from his heart, who has no slander on his tongue, who does no harm to his neighbor, who casts no scorn on his friend, who despises the vile but honors those who fear the LORD, who does not revise a costly oath, who lends his money without interest and refuses a bribe against the innocent. He who does these things will never be shaken. Heavenly Father, I come with a humble heart, seeking to dwell in Your sacred tent and live on Your holy mountain. Your Word guides me in understanding the qualities You desire in me. Father, help me to walk blamelessly before You, striving to live righteously in all my actions and thoughts. Purify my heart so that I may speak the truth always, avoiding slander and harm toward my neighbor. Grant me the discernment to honor those who revere You and to stand firm in my commitments, even when it is dif...

Ephesians 2:8-9 For it is by grace you have been saved through faith, and this not from yourselves; it is the gift of God, not by works, so that no one can boast. Gracious and merciful God, In Your boundless love and grace, You have saved me through faith in Your Son, Jesus the Christ, not by my own work or merit, but as a gift from You, according to the riches of Your grace. I humbly come to You. Grant me the wisdom to comprehend the depth of Your love and the magnitude of Your gift, that I may walk in gratitude and humility, knowing that it is by Your grace alone that I am saved, redeemed, and reconciled to You. Help me to live out my faith with a heart filled with thanksgiving, and may my life be a testament to Your unfailing love and mercy, as I strive to follow in the footsteps of Jesus, our Savior and Lord. I pray all this in His holy name. Amen. See James' publications on  Amazon.com .

1 John 4:7-8 Beloved, let us love one another, because love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love. Almighty and Everlasting God, You are love. In Your divine presence, I find the essence of love revealed. Grant me the grace to abide in Your love, that I may reflect Your light in my life. Help me to love others fervently, as You have loved me, for in love I find true fellowship with You and with others. May Your love overflow in my heart, casting out all fear, and may I be an instrument of Your love in a world longing for Your peace. I pray in the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen. See James' publications on  Amazon.com .

Philippians 4:6-7 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. O God of peace, who surpasses all understanding,  I come with a heart full of gratitude. Teach me to be anxious for nothing, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, let my requests be made known to You. Grant me the peace that surpasses all understanding, guarding my heart and mind in Christ Jesus. Amid life's uncertainties, may Your comforting presence reassure me, and may Your grace sustain me.  I pray these things in the name of Jesus Christ, my Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen. See James' publications on  Amazon.com .

Galatians 2:20 I have been crucified with Christ, and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me. O God,  You, through the death and resurrection of Your Son, Jesus, have given me new life. Grant me the grace to live by faith in Him who loved me and gave Himself for me, so that I may die to self and live for Him who lives in me. Through the power of Your Holy Spirit, may I be crucified with Jesus the Christ, and yet live, not for myself, but for Him who died and rose again for me. I pray in the name of my Lord and Savior, Jesus, Your Son. Amen. See James' publications on  Amazon.com .

Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight. Gracious God, In the wisdom of Your Word, You have instructed me to trust in You with all my heart and lean not on my own understanding. Grant me the humility to acknowledge Your sovereignty in all aspects of my life. May I surrender my plans and desires to Your divine will, knowing that You will direct my path. Strengthen my faith to rely on Your guidance and wisdom, that I may walk in Your ways and experience the fullness of Your blessings. I pray in the name of Jesus the Christ, Your Son. Amen. See James' publications on  Amazon.com .

Galatians 5:1 It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not be encumbered once more by a yoke of slavery. Heavenly Father,  I come with a grateful heart, reflecting on the freedom I have received through Christ Jesus, Your Son. I thank You for the gift of Jesus, who liberated me from the chains of sin and death. I praise You for the freedom to live in righteousness, peace, and joy through the power of Your Holy Spirit. Help me, Father, to stand firm in this freedom, to resist the temptations that seek to entangle me once more. Grant me the strength and wisdom to walk in the light of Your truth, not returning to my former ways but embracing the new life I have in Christ Jesus. Let my life be a testimony of Your love and grace, a beacon of hope to those still bound in darkness. Father, keep me steadfast in our faith, vigilant in my actions, and always mindful of the sacrifice that secured my freedom. May I honor You in all that I do, living as a true chi...

1 John 2:15-17 Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh, the desires of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not from the Father but from the world. The world is passing away, along with its desires; but whoever does the will of God remains forever. Bible meditation, excerpt from collection,  Love: Bible Meditations  available on  Amazon.com .

1 Peter 4:8-9 Above all, love one another deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. Show hospitality to one another without complaining. Bible meditation, excerpt from collection,  Love: Bible Meditations  available on  Amazon.com .

1 John 4:7-21 Beloved, let us love one another, because love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love. This is how God’s love was revealed among us: God sent His one and only Son into the world, so that we might live through Him. And love consists in this: not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son as the atoning sacrificed for our sins. Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God remains in us, and His love is perfected in us. By this we know that we remain in Him, and He in us: He has given us of His Spirit. And we have seen and testify that the Father has sent His Son to be the Savior of the world. If anyone confesses that Jesus is the Son of God, God abides in him, and he in God. And we have come to know and believe the love that God has for us. God is love; whoever abides in love abides in God, an...

1 John 3:11-24 This is the message you have heard from the beginning: We should love one another. Do not be like Cain, who belonged to the evil one and murdered his brother. And why did Cain slay him? Because his own deeds were evil, while those of his brother were righteous. So do not be surprised, brothers, if the world hates you. We know that we have passed from death to life, because we love our brothers. The one who does not love remains in death. Everyone who hates his brother is a murderer, and you know that eternal life does not reside in a murderer. By this we know what love is: Jesus laid down His life for us, and we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers. If anyone with earthly possessions sees his brother in need, but withholds his compassion from him, how can the love of God abide in him? Little children, let us love not in word and speech, but in action and truth. And by this we will know that we belong to the truth, and will assure our hearts in His presence: Even ...

1 John 3:1-24 Behold what manner of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God. And that is what we are! The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know Him. Beloved, we are now children of God, and what we will be has not yet been revealed. We know that when Christ appears, we will be like Him, for we will see Him as He is. And everyone who has this hope in Him purifies himself, just as Christ is pure. Everyone who practices sin practices lawlessness as well. Indeed, sin is lawlessness. But you know that Christ appeared to take away sins, and in Him there is no sin. No one who remains in Him keeps on sinning. No one who continues to sin has seen Him or known Him. Little children, let no one deceive you: The one who practices righteousness is righteous, just as Christ is righteous. The one who practices sin is of the devil, because the devil has been sinning from the very start. This is why the Son of God was revealed, to destroy the works o...

1 John 2:7-11 Beloved, I am not writing to you a new commandment, but an old one, which you have had from the beginning. This commandment is the message you have heard. Then again, I am also writing to you a new commandment, which is true in Him and also in you. For the darkness is fading and the true light is already shining. If anyone claims to be in the light but hates his brother, he is still in the darkness. Whoever loves his brother remains in the light, and there is no cause of stumbling in him. But whoever hates his brother is in the darkness and walks in the darkness. He does not know where he is going, because the darkness has blinded his eyes. Bible meditation, excerpt from collection,  Love: Bible Meditations  available on  Amazon.com .

Colossians 3:9-17 Put to death, therefore, the components of your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires, and greed, which is idolatry. Because of these, the wrath of God is coming on the sons of disobedience. When you lived among them, you also used to walk in these ways. But now you must put aside all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips. Do not lie to one another, since you have taken off the old self with its practices, and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator. Here there is no Greek or Jew, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave, or free, but Christ is all and is in all. Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, clothe yourselves with hearts of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Bear with one another and forgive any complaint you may have against someone else. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all t...

Philippians 2:1-11 Therefore if you have any encouragement in Christ, if any comfort from His love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any affection and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being united in spirit and purpose. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or empty pride, but in humility consider others more important than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others. Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus: Who, existing in the form of God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but emptied Himself, taking the form of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to death—even death on a cross. Therefore God exalted Him to the highest place and gave Him the name above all names, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the eart...

Galatians 3:19-21 For through the law I died to the law so that I might live to God. I have been crucified with Christ, and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me. I do not set aside the grace of God. For if righteousness comes through the law, Christ died for nothing. Bible meditation, excerpt from collection,  Love: Bible Meditations  available on  Amazon.com .

Philippians 1:9-11 And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to test and prove what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God. Bible meditation, excerpt from collection,  Love: Bible Meditations  available on  Amazon.com .

Ephesians 4:1-3 As a prisoner in the Lord, then, I urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling you have received: with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, and with diligence to preserve the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. Bible meditation, excerpt from collection,  Love: Bible Meditations  available on  Amazon.com .

Ephesians 3:12-19 In Him and through faith in Him we may enter God’s presence with boldness and confidence. So I ask you not to be discouraged because of my sufferings for you, which are your glory. . . . for this reason I bow my knees before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth derives its name. I ask that out of the riches of His glory He may strengthen you with power through His Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. Then you, being rooted and grounded in love, will have power, together with all the saints, to comprehend the length and width and height and depth of the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God. Bible meditation, excerpt from collection,  Love: Bible Meditations  available on  Amazon.com .

Ephesians 2:1-10 And you were dead in your trespasses and sins, in which you used to walk when you conformed to the ways of this world and of the ruler of the power of the air, the spirit who is now at work in the sons of disobedience. All of us also lived among them at one time, fulfilling the cravings of our flesh and indulging its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature children of wrath. But because of His great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in our trespasses. It is by grace you have been saved! And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with Him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, in order that in the coming ages He might display the surpassing riches of His grace, demonstrated by His kindness to us in Christ Jesus. For it is by grace you have been saved through faith, and this not from yourselves; it is the gift of God, not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God’s workmanship, created in...

Galatians 5:1-6 It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not be encumbered once more by a yoke of slavery. Take notice: I, Paul, tell you that if you let yourselves be circumcised, Christ will be of no value to you at all. Again I testify to every man who gets himself circumcised that he is obligated to obey the whole law. You who are trying to be justified by the law have been severed from Christ; you have fallen away from grace. But by faith we eagerly await through the Spirit the hope of righteousness. For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision has any value. All that matters is faith, expressed through love. Bible meditation, excerpt from collection,  Love: Bible Meditations  available on  Amazon.com .

Galatians 3:19-21 For through the law I died to the law so that I might live to God. I have been crucified with Christ, and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me. I do not set aside the grace of God. For if righteousness comes through the law, Christ died for nothing. Bible meditation, excerpt from collection,  Love: Bible Meditations  available on  Amazon.com .

2 Corinthians 6:1-10 As God’s fellow workers, then, we urge you not to receive God’s grace in vain. For He says: “In the time of favor I heard you, and in the day of salvation I helped you.” Behold, now is the time of favor; now is the day of salvation! We put no obstacle in anyone’s way, so that no one can discredit our ministry. Rather, as servants of God we commend ourselves in every way: in great endurance; in troubles, hardships, and calamities; in beatings, imprisonments, and riots; in labor, sleepless nights, and hunger; in purity, knowledge, patience, and kindness; in the Holy Spirit and in sincere love; in truthful speech and in the power of God; with the weapons of righteousness in the right hand and in the left; through glory and dishonor, slander and praise; viewed as imposters, yet genuine; as unknown, yet well-known; dying, and yet we live on; punished, yet not killed; sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; poor, yet making many rich; having nothing, and yet possessing everythi...

Romans 11:13-23 It is written: “As surely as I live, says the Lord, every knee will bow before Me; every tongue will confess to God.” So then, each of us will give an account of himself to God. Therefore let us stop judging one another. Instead, make up your mind not to put any stumbling block or obstacle in your brother’s way. I am convinced and fully persuaded in the Lord Jesus that nothing is unclean in itself. But if anyone regards something as unclean, then for him it is unclean. If your brother is distressed by what you eat, you are no longer acting in love. Do not by your eating destroy your brother, for whom Christ died. Do not allow what you consider good, then, to be spoken of as evil. For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit. For whoever serves Christ in this way is pleasing to God and approved by men. So then, let us pursue what leads to peace and to mutual edification. Do not destroy the work of ...

Romans 13:8-10 Be indebted to no one, except to one another in love. For he who loves his neighbor has fulfilled the law. The commandments “Do not commit adultery,” “Do not murder,” “Do not steal,” “Do not covet,” and any other commandments, are summed up in this one decree: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” Love does no wrong to its neighbor. Therefore love is the fulfillment of the law. Bible meditation, excerpt from collection,  Love: Bible Meditations  available on  Amazon.com .

Romans 8:35-39 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or distress or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? As it is written: “For Your sake we face death all day long; we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered.” No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor principalities, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Bible meditation, excerpt from collection,  Love: Bible Meditations  available on  Amazon.com .

Romans 8:18-31 I consider that our present sufferings are not comparable to the glory that will be revealed in us. The creation waits in eager expectation for the revelation of the sons of God. For the creation was subjected to futility, not by its own will, but because of the One who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to decay and brought into the glorious freedom of the children of God. We know that the whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until the present time. Not only that, but we ourselves, who have the first fruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies. For in this hope we were saved; but hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what he can already see? But if we hope for what we do not yet see, we wait for it patiently. In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know how we ought to pray, but the Spir...

Roman 5:1-11 Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we stand. And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. Not only that, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out His love into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, whom He has given us. For at just the right time, while we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous man, though for a good man someone might possibly dare to die. But God proves His love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Therefore, since we have now been justified by His blood, how much more shall we be saved from wrath through Him! For if, when we were enemies of God, we were reconciled to Him thro...

1 Corinthians 16:14  Do everything in love. Bible meditation, excerpt from collection,  Love: Bible Meditations  available on  Amazon.com .

Hebrews 13:5-14 Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, for God has said: “Never will I leave you, never will I forsake you.” So we say with confidence: “The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?” Remember your leaders who spoke the word of God to you. Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith. Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. Do not be carried away by all kinds of strange teachings, for it is good for the heart to be strengthened by grace and not by foods of no value to those devoted to them. We have an altar from which those who serve at the tabernacle have no right to eat. Although the high priest brings the blood of animals into the Holy Place as a sacrifice for sin, the bodies are burned outside the camp. And so Jesus also suffered outside the city gate, to sanctify the people by His own blood. Therefore let us go to Him outside the camp, bearing the disgrace He bore. ...

Ephesians 4:7-32 Now to each one of us grace has been given according to the measure of the gift of Christ. This is why it says: “When He ascended on high, He led captives away, and gave gifts to men.” What does “He ascended” mean, except that He also descended to the lower parts of the earth? He who descended is the very One who ascended above all the heavens, in order to fill all things. And it was He who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, to equip the saints for works of ministry and to build up the body of Christ, until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God, as we mature to the full measure of the stature of Christ. Then we will no longer be infants, tossed about by the waves and carried around by every wind of teaching and by the clever cunning of men in their deceitful scheming. Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into Christ Himself, who is the...

Ephesians 4:31-32 Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, outcry and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and tenderhearted to one another, forgiving each other just as in Christ God forgave you. Bible meditation, excerpt from collection,  Love: Bible Meditations  available on  Amazon.com .

John 13:1-17 It was now just before the Passover Feast, and Jesus knew that His hour had come to leave this world and return to the Father. Having loved His own who were in the world, He loved them to the very end. The evening meal was underway, and the devil had already put into the heart of Judas, the son of Simon Iscariot, to betray Jesus. Jesus knew that the Father had delivered all things into His hands, and that He had come from God and was returning to God. So He got up from the supper, laid aside His outer garments, and wrapped a towel around His waist. After that, He poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples’ feet and dry them with the towel that was around Him. He came to Simon Peter, who asked Him, “Lord, are You going to wash my feet?” Jesus replied, “You do not realize now what I am doing, but later you will understand.” “Never shall You wash my feet!” Peter told Him. Jesus answered, “Unless I wash you, you have no part with Me.” “Then, Lord,” Simon Peter r...

1 Peter 3:8-13 Finally, all of you, be like-minded and sympathetic, love as brothers, be tenderhearted and humble. Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing. For, “Whoever would love life and see good days must keep his tongue from evil and his lips from deceitful speech. He must turn from evil and do good; he must seek peace and pursue it. For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and His ears are inclined to their prayer. But the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.” Who can harm you if you are zealous for what is good? Bible meditation, excerpt from collection,  Love: Bible Meditations  available on  Amazon.com .

James 1:19-27 My beloved brothers, understand this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger, for man’s anger does not bring about the righteousness that God desires. Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and every expression of evil, and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save your souls. Be doers of the word, and not hearers only. Otherwise, you are deceiving yourselves. For anyone who hears the word but does not carry it out is like a man who looks at his face in a mirror, and after observing himself goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. But the one who looks intently into the perfect law of freedom, and continues to do so—not being a forgetful hearer, but an effective doer—he will be blessed in what he does. If anyone considers himself religious and yet does not bridle his tongue, he deceives his heart and his religion is worthless. Pure and undefiled religion before our God and Father is this: to care for orphans and widows...

Romans 12:9-21 Love must be sincere. Detest what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Outdo yourselves in honoring one another. Do not let your zeal subside; keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, persistent in prayer. Share with the saints who are in need. Practice hospitality. Bless those who persecute you. Bless and do not curse. Rejoice with those who rejoice; weep with those who weep. Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but enjoy the company of the lowly. Do not be conceited. Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Carefully consider what is right in the eyes of everybody. If it is possible on your part, live at peace with everyone. Do not avenge yourselves, beloved, but leave room for God’s wrath. For it is written: “Vengeance is Mine; I will repay, says the Lord.” On the contrary, “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him a drink. For in so doing, you will heap...

Galatians 5:22-23 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Bible meditation, excerpt from collection,  Love: Bible Meditations  available on  Amazon.com .

1 Corinthians 13:1-13 If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a ringing gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have absolute faith so as to move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. If I give all I possess to the poor and exult in the surrender of my body, but have not love, I gain nothing. Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no account of wrongs. Love takes no pleasure in evil, but rejoices in the truth. It bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be restrained; where there is knowledge, it will be dismissed. For we know in part and we prophesy in part, but when the perfect comes, the partial passes away. When...

Matthew 7:1-5 “Do not judge, or you will be judged. For with the same judgment you pronounce, you will be judged; and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you. “Why do you look at the speck in your brother’s eye, but fail to notice the beam in your own eye? How can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ while there is still a beam in your own eye? You hypocrite! First take the beam out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.” Luke 6:37-42 “Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven. Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you.” Jesus also told them a parable: “Can a blind man lead a blind man? Will they not both fall into a pit? A disciple is not above his teacher, but ever...

Mark 10:17-25 As Jesus started on His way, a man ran up and knelt before Him. “Good Teacher,” he asked, “what must I do to inherit eternal life?” “Why do you call Me good?” Jesus replied. “No one is good except God alone. You know the commandments: ‘Do not murder, do not commit adultery, do not steal, do not bear false witness, do not cheat others, honor your father and mother.’ ” “Teacher,” he replied, “all these I have kept from my youth.” Jesus looked at him, loved him, and said to him, “There is one thing you lack: Go, sell everything you own and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow Me.” But the man was saddened by these words and went away in sorrow, because he had great wealth. Then Jesus looked around and said to His disciples, “How hard it is for the rich to enter the kingdom of God!” And the disciples were amazed at His words. But Jesus said to them again, “Children, how hard it is to enter the kingdom of God! It is easier for a camel to pa...

Matthew 5:38-48 “You have heard that it was said, ‘Eye for eye and tooth for tooth.’ But I tell you not to resist an evil person. If someone slaps you on your right cheek, turn to him the other also; if someone wants to sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak as well; and if someone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles. Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you. “You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor’ and ‘Hate your enemy.’ But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He causes His sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Do not even tax collectors do the same? And if you greet only your brothers, what are you doing more than others? Do not even Gentiles do the same? “Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is ...

Matthew 22:34-40 And when the Pharisees heard that Jesus had silenced the Sadducees, they themselves gathered together. One of them, an expert in the law, tested Him with a question: “Teacher, which commandment is the greatest in the Law?” Jesus declared, “ ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.” Mark 12:28-34 Now one of the scribes had come up and heard their debate. Noticing how well Jesus had answered them, he asked Him, “Which commandment is the most important of all?” Jesus replied, “This is the most important: ‘Hear O Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is One. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ No other commandment is greater than...